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Okay, maybe that last part is just me.

Chapter 13

Madden

My heart is racing a thousand miles a minute as I walk to the front of my parent’s church and take my place next to the pastor. The thought of marrying someone who’s basically a stranger feels all too real this morning. I can’t believe I’m actually doing this. My stomach is bordering somewhere between flying into space or emptying all of its contents. I take a deep breath and discreetly wipe my sweaty palms on the sides of my tuxedo jacket.

There are maybe fifty guests here: just close friends, family, and some of the people on my campaign team who could make it. My parents and Odette’s mom are dressed to the nines and looking quite pleased. Even my mother, waving to me happily from the front pew, seems to have settled down about me and Odette getting married.

She did a lovely job with the decor. Not that I’d expect anything less. The woman clearly missed her calling as an event planner. The aisles are lined with garlands of dark greenery interspersed with some spriggy-looking plant–wheat stalks, maybe? Behind me, there’s a circular arch covered with flowers in various shades of dark red, gold, and white overlooking the altar. The entire chapel is truly ethereal. I hope Odette will be pleased with the decor.

The whole church quiets down when the pianist softly begins playing Canon in D. The first to walk down the aisle are Brooks and Sophie, looking so much alike that they could be twins. They take their places on stage, and then David and Kate follow suit. My brothers wear black tuxes that match mine, only their ties are dark red and mine is white. Kate and Sophie have on long, velvet dresses that perfectly match my brothers’ red ties.

How on earth did Mom put all of this together in two weeks? What sorcery is this?

I’m pulled from my thoughts when the wedding march begins and everyone stands, awaiting the grand entrance of the bride.

My bride.

Odette enters beside her father at the other end of the aisle and they begin their slow procession toward me. Mr. Hastings holds his own well enough with his walker in hand, but definitely slower since the surgery. I’m just grateful that he’s able to be here for Odette today.

My eyes travel back to Odette, and I can tell from all the way over here that she’s absolutely stunning. The closer they get, the more details I make out. Her bouquet matches the flowers in the awning behind me and her hair is twisted back into a cascade of luscious curls with a headband resembling a gold vine weaving through it. Her dress is simple, but it outlines her slim figure, and the neckline dips down just enough to be incredibly sexy but still sophisticated. She looks exquisite. I’ve never seen her in something so form-fitting.

I discreetly pinch my leg through the fabric of my suit, trying to distract myself from ogling her gorgeous figure. This is a business arrangement and nothing more. I don’t want to make it weird.

I meet Odette and Mr. Hastings at the front of the aisle. A tear runs down his cheek as he gives Odette a kiss and pats my shoulder, then takes his seat next to his wife, who’s already crying.

Odette clasps my outstretched hand and I can tell immediately that hers are just as clammy as mine. We slowly make our way up the steps to the pastor.

The ceremony feels like an out-of-body experience, partly because I’m nervous, and partly because I can’t believe I’m getting married to someone I hardly know. But what I do know is she's lovely and kind. The fact that she is willing to marry me is a miracle. Yet here she is.

Before I know it, the pastor announces us as husband and wife. He looks at me with a wink and says that I may kiss my bride. I freeze. I hadn’t thought about this part. How did I not think about this part?

I mean, of course, I’ve thought about kissing her, but I usually pictured us at a campaign event or something. This feels far more intimate. I guess one might consider it to be a case of public affection, and that’s in the contract. Should I give her a peck on the cheek, a passionate kiss where I dip her back, or something in between? What would look more natural, more real?

I have to think fast. Not only is everyone is waiting, but Odette is watching my face in confusion.

What the heck. I’m going for it. Who knows when I’ll get to kiss her again?

I find her shiny, pink lips suddenly irresistible. I hear her suck in a breath when I step forward and slide one hand around her waist, then use my other hand to cup her chin. My lips meet hers, softly at first, and then I lean my head slightly to deepen the kiss. Much to my surprise, she melts against me and slips her hands around my neck. Definitely wasn’t expecting that. My heart jumps.

And she was worried that she wouldn’t be a good actress! If I didn’t know better, I definitely would think this is a real kiss.

We slowly pull back, both of us looking a little stunned. When I link her arm through mine, her face turns the darkest shade of red I’ve had the privilege to see so far.

The guests cheer and we walk down the aisle together as Stevie Wonder’s “For Once In My Life” plays behind us.

Odette

What on earth just happened?

Was that a genuine kiss or a fake kiss? Maybe Madden is just a really good actor? Everyone surrounds us, giving hugs and congratulations, but I can’t take my eyes off of my husband.

Oh, my gosh, I have a husband. And why does the man have to look so good in a tux?

Kate interrupts my not-so-innocent thoughts as she pulls me into a big hug and whispers, “That was some kiss. Betcha’ can’t wait to slip on the present I gave you last night!”

I don’t even have to look at her to know that she’s waggling her eyebrows.